ANJ online casino blacklist 2026: blocked sites and legal alternatives
The ANJ online casino blacklist 2026 lists illegal gambling sites subject to administrative blocking in France. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) bans access to unlicensed online casinos, as only sports betting, poker, and horse race betting are legal. Consult the official list to avoid the risk of scams and prioritize licensed operators like Winamax, PMU, or La Française des Jeux.
Consult the ANJ blacklist of blocked sites in 2026
The ANJ online casino blacklist 2026 lists the platforms that have been subject to administrative blocking in France. Published by the ANJ (National Gaming Authority), this list identifies illegal sites whose access is filtered by ISPs. Warning: the absence of a site from this list does not guarantee its legality. Only the register of licensed operators is authoritative for safe play.
How to access the official list of banned sites?
The ANJ provides a regularly updated CSV file listing the URLs affected by an administrative blocking decision. This document can be viewed directly on the official website of the regulatory authority. This blacklist is not exhaustive: it only contains sites that have already been identified and sanctioned. If a platform is not on it, this does not mean it is authorized. To verify the legality of a casino or sports betting site, the only reliable method remains consulting the register of licensed operators. Playing on a site not included in this register exposes the player to major risks, including the total loss of funds with no legal recourse possible.
The role of the Ministry of the Interior and ISPs
Administrative blocking is technically implemented by ISPs (Internet Service Providers) such as Orange, SFR, Free, or Bouygues Telecom. Upon injunction from the Ministry of the Interior, following a request from the ANJ, these operators filter the domain names and IP addresses present on the blacklist. The main method relies on DNS filtering, which prevents the resolution of illegal site addresses. However, this mechanism does not block the entire web: it specifically targets non-compliant gaming platforms identified by the national authority. This technical measure aims to protect players from involuntary access to unregulated offers, although bypass methods exist.
Why is the blacklist not exhaustive?
The blacklist is a reactive, not preventive, tool. New illegal sites appear continuously, often changing domain names to escape the initial administrative blocking. The ANJ therefore expands the list through investigations and reports, but there is a delay between the opening of a fraudulent site and its official listing. Thus, the absence of a URL from the blacklist does not equal a certificate of compliance. Vigilance must come first: before depositing any money, systematically check the presence of the operator on the list of authorized sites rather than relying solely on the absence of blocking. This proactive approach is the only guarantee against scams and gambling addiction on unsecured platforms.
Banned online casino: understanding French regulations
French regulations clearly distinguish between pure games of chance and betting games. This fundamental distinction determines the legality of a platform and justifies the presence of numerous sites on the ANJ online casino blacklist 2026.
Why are online casinos illegal in France?
The ban on online casinos and slot machines is based on Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010. This foundational legislative text opened to competition only games where chance is not predominant or betting, while maintaining the monopoly or ban on traditional casino games. The objective is to prevent gambling addiction, a risk increased by the permanent accessibility of digital platforms. Thus, illegal sites offering these games expose users to major dangers, as they escape the protection measures imposed by the National Gaming Authority.
The only online gambling games authorized by the ANJ
Only three categories of games benefit from a legal license: sports betting, horse race betting, and online poker. Operators like Winamax or La Française des Jeux operate within this strict framework. Unlike banned online casinos, these activities are monitored to guarantee fairness and the security of transactions. The National Gaming Authority ensures compliance with the rules, notably via the self-exclusion file which blocks access to licensed sites for vulnerable people.
How to verify a gaming operator's license?
To distinguish a legal site from a site on the ANJ online casino blacklist 2026, consult the public register on anj.fr. The presence of the National Gaming Authority logo at the bottom of the page is a first indicator, but insufficient if the site is not officially listed. Licensed operators use secure identification solutions like IDnow to verify players' identity, a step absent on illegal platforms. Beware of sites offering slot machines, as they violate Law No. 2010-476 of May 12, 2010, and offer no recourse in the event of non-payment.
Major risks of playing on a blacklisted site
Playing on a site listed on the ANJ online casino blacklist 2026 exposes the player to immediate financial and legal dangers. Unlike licensed operators, these illegal platforms offer no guarantee of payment of winnings and facilitate scams as well as personal data theft. The lack of regulation means that deposited funds are not segregated and banking information is vulnerable to fraud.
Lack of protection for funds and winnings
On an unlicensed site, the player does not benefit from any legal obligation to return funds. If the operator refuses to pay, there is no recourse to the Gaming Mediator or the French courts, as these entities have no jurisdiction over illegal actors. It is common for winnings to be purely and simply confiscated without justification, a common practice linked to organized scams. The ANJ and TRACFIN cannot intervene in disputes between a player and a site operating outside the French legal framework.
Data security and risks of bank fraud
Blacklisted sites do not respect the encryption standards imposed by the ANJ, exposing users to massive personal data theft. These platforms are often vectors for bank fraud, where card details are resold or used for unauthorized withdrawals. Furthermore, the lack of monitoring by TRACFIN means that these channels can be used for money laundering, indirectly involving the player in criminal activities. Personal data theft on these sites goes beyond simple hacking: it is a systematic exploitation of financial information for illicit purposes. In case of suspected hacking or scam, it is recommended to report the incident to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, the national assistance platform for victims of cybermalveillance, to obtain appropriate security advice.
The absence of recourse in case of dispute
Gambling addiction is worsened on these platforms because they do not offer any protection tools, such as deposit limits or registration in the self-exclusion file. Unlike legal sites that collaborate with Joueurs Info Service to prevent gambling addiction, blacklisted sites completely ignore players' mental health. In the event of a problem, the ANJ cannot help, as it has no sanctioning power over these foreign entities.
Legal alternatives: licensed operators and player protection
To avoid the traps of the ANJ online casino blacklist 2026, prioritize exclusively licensed operators supervised by the National Gaming Authority. These legal players, such as Winamax, PMU, or La Française des Jeux, guarantee the security of your funds and the payment of winnings, while integrating strict protection tools like voluntary gambling bans to prevent addiction.
The list of licensed online gaming operators in France
In France, the legal market is strictly regulated: only 17 licensed operators and the historical monopoly operator, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), are authorized to offer sports betting, horse race betting, and online poker. Major players like Winamax and PMU are among these certified entities, offering a secure alternative to illegal sites. Choosing an ANJ-licensed site ensures not only tax compliance but also access to recourse mechanisms in the event of a dispute, a protection completely absent from the ANJ online casino blacklist 2026.
Voluntary gambling ban: how to protect yourself?
Voluntary gambling ban is the most robust protection measure for players wishing to control their gambling habits. This personal and confidential process registers the applicant in a centralized file automatically transmitted to all licensed operators, including Winamax, PMU, and La Française des Jeux. Since the service was revamped by the ANJ, registration has been simplified via a 100% digital procedure secured by IDnow, with rapid effect. The ban is valid for a minimum period of three years and is irrevocable during this initial period, blocking access to player accounts and physical establishments. This cross-cutting mechanism prevents any account opening on legal sites, offering an effective barrier against relapse, unlike simple deposit limits set per operator.
Help resources for gambling addiction
Beyond technical blockages, support is essential. Organizations like Joueurs Info Service offer anonymous listening and personalized advice to people facing gambling addiction. The ANJ works closely with these structures to ensure comprehensive care, recalling that the voluntary gambling ban is part of a broader public health approach. Players in difficulty can also seek help from their legal guardians to request a ban, thereby strengthening the safety net around vulnerable audiences. In case of doubt about the legality of a site or need for assistance, it is recommended to consult official resources rather than using unregulated sites appearing on the ANJ online casino blacklist 2026.
About this article - Writing & responsibility
Author: Sarah Weber - Casino tester & bonus analyst
Verified by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming compliance analyst
Last updated: 2026-07-02.
This article on the "ANJ online casino blacklist 2026" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content to reflect regulatory changes, licenses, and bonus conditions. All references to licenses, authorities, or legal frameworks refer to public sources (ANJ (National Gaming Authority), Law of May 12, 2010 on the opening of online gambling).
About the author
8+ years of casino testing, 200+ platforms personally tested in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal processes, customer support evaluation.
About the reviewer
12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years in compliance consulting for operators licensed under the French ANJ framework. PhD in economic mathematics. Areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, player protection measures.
Responsible gambling
Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control, contact Joueurs Info Service, SOS Joueurs, or use the national self-exclusion register (gambling ban file (FIJ)). Set deposit and loss limits before playing with real money. Breaks and cooldown tools are levers for sustainable enjoyment.
Legal disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Players remain responsible for complying with local regulations.